The traditional “town and gown” procession in Perth earlier this week was an inspiring sight.
More than 300 young people celebrated their graduation from Perth College UHI with a pipe band-led procession through the city centre.
It followed emotional scenes at Perth Concert Hall as the degrees, diplomas and awards were handed out in ceremonial style.
Wherever this generation of graduates go next, Perth will forever have a place in their hearts. Let’s hope they look back on their time here fondly.
The parade was launched a few years back to celebrate the city’s strong relationship with the college. It symbolises how working together can bring huge benefits to both parties.
The student population is a major asset to Perth and can help it achieve its lofty ambitions of becoming one of Europe’s great small cities.
Perth officially became a “university city” a few years ago with the establishment of the University of Highlands and Islands.
The council celebrated its status earlier this year with shiny new boundary roadsigns.
But there is still some distance to go before Perth is seen as a major player on the Scottish university scene.
The excellent work of the college demands to be complemented with a thriving city centre nightlife and more student friendly hotspots.
Despite many highly regarded restaurants, pubs and venues, Perth has always struggled to achieve a vibrant night-time economy.
A recent study by Perth and Kinross Council found that nearly three-fifths of the local population had never entered the centre after 6pm.
Increasing investment in cultural assets will help, as will the transformation of the derelict St John’s Primary School building into a Creative Exchange to support fledgling businesses.
The creation of an enormous mural on Mill Street could also change perceptions about the city, and attract younger crowds.
Unlike well established university cities like Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh, online student guides to Perth are few and far between.
That’s not because Perth doesn’t have anything to offer students, but it does show the city could benefit from better marketing and promotion.
I’m not suggesting we throw a huge foam party in city hall – although that could be quite cool – but more can be done to make it a more attractive place to spend those oh-so-important formative years.
